PDA

View Full Version : Windows "off track"???


billethkid
12-24-2021, 08:41 AM
We have the original white metal framed windows throughout our home....built in 2004.

A couple of them seem to go "off track" or cocked in the track when raising and become difficult to lower correctly.

Seems like a slider comes out of the track.

Before I seek original installer I thought I would check on other's experiences.....if any.

Mortal1
12-24-2021, 09:09 AM
You may not be able to find the original company that installed them. Have someone you trust check it out to make certain it is a problem. Windows are not difficult to determine what, if anything, is wrong. I'm guessing that the tracks are plastic as well the window guides. So unless one is cracked or broken perhaps applying a silicon spray lubricant might solve and issue. Dirt and grime can affect how it works.

dewilson58
12-24-2021, 09:09 AM
Has it always been a problem??

With our addition, we had the same problem with one window.
Come to find out, the metal track in the window frame was installed backwards.
The window installer came, popped it out and replaced it.

There is a slight, slight difference and a right was to be installed.

:wave:

DAVES
12-24-2021, 10:22 AM
We have the original white metal framed windows throughout our home....built in 2004.

A couple of them seem to go "off track" or cocked in the track when raising and become difficult to lower correctly.

Seems like a slider comes out of the track.

Before I seek original installer I thought I would check on other's experiences.....if any.

Typo? Built 2004? The windows would be almost 20 years old. It is unlikely you can find the original installer. It is likely your home has settled. New windows will likely reduce your heating and cooling expense as well as making your home quieter-less outside noise.

villagetinker
12-24-2021, 11:14 AM
You may have windows with counter weights and a weight may have come disconnected. Hopefully a handyman familiar with windows of this vintage will contact you.
Also, you should be able to contact home warranty and they should be able to tell you the original installer.

Michael G.
12-24-2021, 12:02 PM
My problem is with my narrow window screen, the aluminum frame is bent on one side and doesn't fit tight.
The anoles find their way in the house.

retiredguy123
12-24-2021, 12:57 PM
Never had a problem with my windows. But, I have never opened them.

juneroses
12-24-2021, 12:57 PM
Our house was also built in 2004 with the double pane white metal frame windows. We've purchased "Kit Balancers" from Romac in the past and replaced the problem balancer with a new one. This make the window once again easy to open and close.

thevillages2013
12-24-2021, 02:13 PM
My problem is with my narrow window screen, the aluminum frame is bent on one side and doesn't fit tight.
The anoles find their way in the house.

Those darn things can get through the smallest openings. If it is your actual screen frame and not the window frame then just get a new screen. Pretty sure Romac handles those but maybe the one in Leesburg.

Michael G.
12-24-2021, 05:02 PM
Those darn things can get through the smallest openings. If it is your actual screen frame and not the window frame then just get a new screen. Pretty sure Romac handles those but maybe the one in Leesburg.

I'm going to stop at Ace Hardware, their pretty efficient about this stuff.

La lamy
12-25-2021, 10:17 AM
My problem is with my narrow window screen, the aluminum frame is bent on one side and doesn't fit tight.
The anoles find their way in the house.

I use transparent packing tape for this issue.

Michael G.
12-25-2021, 06:26 PM
I use transparent packing tape for this issue.

That's what I have on now, but in the hot sun, it will bake on the metal frame

Topspinmo
12-25-2021, 08:19 PM
Well I would make sure the tracks are clean and the lock in fully engaged at top latches that allows you to fold window out for cleaning or screen removal (especially if interior has been painted?). If it’s like most they probably haven’t been opened 3 times in that 20 years. My house about same age. I swear previous owners never opened the windows. They was nearly impossible to get open. Once I got them open I cleaned out tracks lubricated and made sure the top locks got snapped back in. They open, but IMO -doubt the was ever easy to open. Another thing if you close them fully enough to latch the top levers. That makes them harder being seated in bottle frame.

Topspinmo
12-25-2021, 08:24 PM
My problem is with my narrow window screen, the aluminum frame is bent on one side and doesn't fit tight.
The anoles find their way in the house.

I bet the reason they are bent someone tried to remove the screen from outside? That will bend them every time unless the screens don’t fit properly. If the fit properly the only way you can get them out is from inside when you unlatch the window laid down and remove screen from inside.

Bogie Shooter
12-25-2021, 09:59 PM
Never had a problem with my windows. But, I have never opened them.

Me neither.
Why even open them?

RICH1
12-26-2021, 07:36 AM
I spray silicone on both sides of the window frames … wipe off the residue…

Woelk
12-26-2021, 07:51 AM
All of the windows in the house we purchased (built in 2004) were not functioning properly. Someone showed my husband how to change out the track. (Available at Romac in Leesburg). It took him 10 minutes per window.

G.R.I.T.S.
12-26-2021, 09:02 AM
Romac carries the spring that is located at the sides of the windows. I’ve replaced all of mine when they became hard to raise. Google how to remove aluminum windows. Each spring housing has a part number stamped on it. Romac will have to cross reference it with new part number.

sk450
12-26-2021, 09:53 AM
Call RoMac. Most windows were supplied to the contractors.

nn0wheremann
12-26-2021, 09:55 AM
We have the original white metal framed windows throughout our home....built in 2004.

A couple of them seem to go "off track" or cocked in the track when raising and become difficult to lower correctly.

Seems like a slider comes out of the track.

Before I seek original installer I thought I would check on other's experiences.....if any.
The manufacturer is in Ocala, and window repair kits are available at Lowe’s. There is a plastic doo dad that gets old and brittle. As I recall, from when I fist moved here and was thus young and foolish, there is a you tube video that describes the replacement process. Takes about ten minutes to do the job, but it is a real knuckle skinner. Hire a handyman.

Jerry Leinsing
12-26-2021, 11:11 AM
Don’t use silicone spray! If you get any overspray on anything you won’t be able to paint it later. Most of the time silicone spray is bad advice.

rogerk
12-26-2021, 02:09 PM
If the windows are the original windows the installer was likely RoMac. Home warranty can tell you for certain. A little Silicone Spray or a product called Super Slip Stuff should work. A home inspector recommended it for our new windows in Illinois and for here. The spring that aids in lifting the windows looses its “spring memory “ unless it is used regularly.

golfnut
12-26-2021, 02:10 PM
We have the original white metal framed windows throughout our home....built in 2004.

A couple of them seem to go "off track" or cocked in the track when raising and become difficult to lower correctly.

Seems like a slider comes out of the track.

Before I seek original installer I thought I would check on other's experiences.....if any.

Check on the locking mechanism if it says CWS that is Custom Window Systems and they are on SW44 ave in Ocala 352-368-6922

Topspinmo
12-26-2021, 04:49 PM
Me neither.
Why even open them?

Some people clean the out side window that screen covers up beings most screen can’t be removed without double pain window raised and laid down. That is if you actually look out them:)

Topspinmo
12-26-2021, 04:52 PM
All of the windows in the house we purchased (built in 2004) were not functioning properly. Someone showed my husband how to change out the track. (Available at Romac in Leesburg). It took him 10 minutes per window.


So Romac install all windows in villages wrong or improperly? Sounds about right.

Villages Kahuna
12-26-2021, 05:29 PM
I called Ro-Mac Windows (352) 261-0391. They were the sub-contractor who installed the windows in our house, when it was just about as old as yours is now. (Even the best windows need a little loving care when they’re 17-18 years old!

To-Mac did a terrific job, inspected, tested every window in our house, doing repairs, adjustments and lubrication as necesssary. And as I recall, not at all expensive!

gemini5001
12-27-2021, 08:26 AM
I am a handyman and most of the windows issues I've dealt with are window balances (like the old former rope and weight) now they use a metal spring loaded balancers the inside of the window between the frame and the window (and they DO go bad).
Manny The Handyman !

zorrodog1
12-27-2021, 08:29 AM
The window also serves as a second exit in the room in case of an emergency. My handyman has been able to replace one slide effectively, but two broke during the change. Definitely not something I could have done myself. I can open the window easily now.

billethkid
12-27-2021, 08:58 AM
I called Ro-Mac Windows (352) 261-0391. They were the sub-contractor who installed the windows in our house, when it was just about as old as yours is now. (Even the best windows need a little loving care when they’re 17-18 years old!

To-Mac did a terrific job, inspected, tested every window in our house, doing repairs, adjustments and lubrication as necesssary. And as I recall, not at all expensive!

They had a cancellation and I was able to get an inspection appointment for tomorrow!

Thank you VK.

dougawhite
12-27-2021, 09:50 AM
Seems like a slider comes out of the track. Before I seek original installer I thought I would check on other's experiences.....if any.

The spring and track system is called a 'channel balance'. Replacement parts can be purchased from:
Robert Brooke and Associates
1465 Axtell Dr. Ste B
Troy, Mi 48084
1-800-642-2403
http://www.homewindowrepair.com
http://www.robertbrooke.com/

I tried doing a replacement and bought the parts but it was a major fail. I ended up just keeping that window permanently closed and got my money back for the parts.

Pallvl
12-27-2021, 01:58 PM
Ro-Mac Windows Leesburg 352 261 0391 Had 4 windows that would not go up and down very good replaced parts and that fixed it for $170.48 ABOUT Oct 2020 fast and on time.

billethkid
01-14-2022, 03:40 PM
Just an update.
I had Romac come out and inspect all our windows.
Recommended replacing lift mechanisms on 9 windows.
Had them all done plus they "lubed" (with spray silicon) all the rest of the windows.
On time....reasonably short lead time....very proficient workers.
Reasonable cost. Significantly less than replacing windows.
Thanks to those who recommended RoMac.

bilcon
01-15-2022, 07:03 AM
It's call fresh air. We didn't move to this area so we could breath the same stale air for 20 years. We like to open all the windows in the cooler weather and air out the whole house. No air pollution around our house.